Fort Leonard Wood volunteer receives 2013 Emma Marie Baird Award

Fort Leonard Wood's own Rhonda Darnell poses at her local ACS. Darnell will receive the 2013 Emma Marie Baird Award signed by the Secretary of the Army Apr. 23 in recognition of her nearly 4,000 hours of selfless service to Soldiers and families.

Fort Leonard Wood's own Rhonda Darnell poses at her local ACS. Darnell will receive the 2013 Emma Marie Baird Award signed by the Secretary of the Army Apr. 23 in recognition of her nearly 4,000 hours of selfless service to Soldiers and families.

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Each year, the Department of the Army recognizes one outstanding volunteer with the Emma Marie Baird Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service -- an honor memorializing Army Community Service founder Lt. Col. Emma Marie Baird. This year's recipient is Rhonda Darnell from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Devoting nearly 4,000 hours, Darnell volunteered with several Army Community Service programs, including Army Family Team Building, Army Family Action Plan and Survivor Outreach Services. Fort Leonard Wood credits Darnell with its successful Army Family Team Building Program.

"Her dedicated efforts, knowledge of the program, as well as her personal touch and sympathetic ear supported the acclimation of literally hundreds of commanders, Soldiers, family members and staff," said Rhonda Hutsell, volunteer coordinator for Fort Leonard Wood.

"Our volunteers help our Army remain Army Strong," said Lynn McCollum, division chief for U.S. Army Installation Management Family Programs.

"Selfless service" and "dependability" describe Darnell's volunteer work. Darnell's willingness to go "above and beyond the call, whenever and where ever there is a need," were key elements in her award nomination.

Darnell, chosen from potential recipients at installations world-wide, will receive the 2013 Emma Marie Baird Award signed by the Secretary of the Army, as well as the prestigious Emma Marie Baird Pin April 23 in conjunction with National Volunteer Appreciation Week activities.

Nominees are required to have a minimum of five years and 3,750 hours in ACS or a Family Readiness Group leadership position.

For more information on how you can become an Army volunteer or information about National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 21-27 visit your local garrison Army Community Service Center.